The bureau was set up to help international patients resolve disputes in medical malpractice cases.
- When a malpractice case occurs, the patient can file a suit with the court. Civil lawsuits usually cost a lot of money and time. Therefore, the Korean government encourages Alternative Dispute Resolution or ADR in malpractice cases involving foreigners.
- In order to facilitate ADR procedures, in May 2009 the government reorganized the Central Medical Assessment and Mediation Commission, which was established under the Medical Service Act, and set up the bureau in the KHIDI to assist the commission.
- Professionals include lawyers, doctors and nurses serve in the bureau .
The bureau is also responsible for prevention of medical disputes and reform of the current systems related to medical dispute resolution.
- The bureau makes every effort to minimize the number of malpractice cases through active educational and informative programs aimed at preventing accidents and conflicts.
- Hosting nationwide lecture series on "Promoting and Securing Global Healthcare in Korea" touring different regions
- Preparing and distributing a collection of sample forms of legal documents required forinternational medical service, including Doctor-Patient Agreement, Advanced Directives, etc.
- Developing and distributing manuals and guidelines designed to help prevent and/or address medical disputes
- In an effort to secure the fair, speedy and inexpensive resolution of every malpractice case, the Korean government is trying to get the Legislative Bill on Malpractice-related Damage Relief and Medical Dispute Resolution passed in the National Assembly. The bureau has been actively assisting the governmentâs legislation project in close cooperation with the Ministry of Health and Welfare.
